The Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman”

July 26, 2016

Man, this watch is sweet. Out of all the Rolex watches out there, the GMT-II “Batman” is easily one of the best looking. As one of the first Rolex watches to make use of the ceramic bezel, the 50/50 black and blue bi-rotational bezel has become an icon in the Rolex lineup.

Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman”

The Roots

If you didn’t know, the “GMT” in the watches’ name actually stands for “Greenwich Mean Time” (the standard time used in aviation). The GMT was originally a watch built for PanAm airlines and helped pilots keep track of time as they passed into different time zones. The watch was also an essential tool to help pilots and crew during flight planning.

There have been several versions over the years, but the GMT has been a staple of Rolex since 1954. The variations include different combinations of gold and stainless steel, multiple bezel styles, and upgrades like the Triplock crown for the divers out there.

For the purposes of this post though, we are focusing on the “Batman” variation, which is all about the bezel.

The Batman Bezel

The GMT-Master II was the first Rolex watch to feature a fully ceramic bezel, which has become much more popular among many of the fine watch brands as of late (see our 2016 Bazelworld review for more on that). The “Batman” name isn’t an official Rolex title, but like most nicknames for these watches it has stuck over the years.

“Powerade” just doesn’t have quite the same ring to it right?

The bezel is more than just pretty, it’s functional too. The Batman has a bi-directional bezel that features platinum-coated 24 hour markings. The Cerachrom bezel operates hand in hand with a fourth hand complication featuring a pointed arrow on the end that looks similar to an hour hand.

This complication allows the wearer to set the watch to a different time zone and keep track of two different time zones simultaneously.

Titan Black Customization of a GMT Master-II “Batman”. Contact us at the end of the article if you’re interested in this!

The Movement

The Batman 116710BLNR makes use of the rock-solid 3186 movement. Utilizing a Parachrom hairspring and housed in 904L steel, this movement is TOUGH and will hold up well in active environments.

The Technical Specs

Dial: Black with 24 white hour markers

Depth Of Case: 12.4mm

Movement: 3186 self-winding movement with Parachrom hairspring

Case diameter: 40mm

Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft

Case Material: 904L stainless steel

Bracelet & Size: Oyster 20mm

Allows a 5mm addition to bracelet for comfort

Special Features and Complications:

GMT Function

Rotating bi-directional 24 hour bezel with platinum coating

50/50 bi-color blue and black bezel

Cyclops window

Final Thoughts:

Because the GMT-Master II Batman walks to line of casual and eye-catching so flawlessly, we absolutely recommend this watch as an every day wear. It’s just so….classy. There’s not really a better way to put it. This is definitely a watch that will get noticed by true watch lovers and is a solid addition to any fine watch collection.

If you are interested in purchasing your own Batman, give us a call or fill out the contact form below. Check out our Facebook page for box openings and watch reviews by Sergio Nuncio!